Wasted World: How Our Consumption Challenges the Planet

In this detailed study, biogeographer Hengeveld (affiliated with the Centre for Ecosystem Studies of Alterra, Wageningen, the Netherlands) tackles the dilemma of reconciling the way we live with the future effect our habits will have on the planet. Tracing our origins from the first reproducing cells to today’s massive global economy, Hengeveld describes how all life depends on energy to thrive. We succeed by parlaying “growth out of growth out of growth of necessity, ad infinitum.” But unless we figure out how to keep all matter in circulation, our planet will be exhausted of resources and become overcrowded with inert waste. By reducing production—both in the sense of reproduction and consumption—we may be able to survive the inevitable shortages of the coming years. Hengeveld forcefully (but apologetically) insists that global population control is a necessary first step in reorienting our priorities, along with radically changing our behavior to restrict consumption of precious energy resources. Over and over, the book asks what it will take for us to change our ways. While points are stirring and effective, the book ultimately rests on tiresome generalities and misses a crucial opportunity to drive its message home—a sad irony for a book that purports to examine waste, in all its varied forms. (Apr.)